Are you a hardcore programmer? This list of the best laptops for programming is something you must have. This is a selection of our top gadgets for programmers. With a thin and light form, each laptop in this list combines portability, versatility, and power. Modern machines are all capable of handling any complex task you can throw at them because they are all getting more powerful every year.
Many of us have a lot less money to spend as the cost of living rises. Nevertheless, a limited budget should not equate to a lack of quality; there are excellent inexpensive laptops for programmers as well as high-end models, and we have emphasized those options throughout the article.
Best Laptops for Programming in 2023
There are several factors to consider when selecting the best laptop for programming. First and foremost, a powerful processor is required to handle the demands of running multiple applications and processes at the same time. Ample RAM and storage space are also required to handle large codebases and data sets.
A high-quality display is also essential for better clarity and accuracy when writing code. A backlit keyboard is also useful, especially for those who work in low-light conditions.
Battery life is also an important factor to consider, as programmers frequently need to work on the go or for extended periods of time. Finally, a dependable and long-lasting design is essential, especially for those who will be using their laptop frequently or traveling with it.
Overall, the best laptops for programming will be determined by personal needs and preferences. However, taking these factors into account will aid in narrowing the search and locating a machine capable of handling the demands of programming work.
Read on to learn more about the best laptops for programming to buy in 2023:
Razer Blade 17
Key Features
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- Incredibly Powerful
Overview
If you’re developing games, the Razer Blade 17 is an excellent laptop for coding. This laptop has the most recent, most powerful laptop GPU from Nvidia, the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. This enables you to work with sophisticated 3D games that employ cutting-edge technology, such as ray tracing, and you’ll be able to play your game later to verify how it functions. Razer is well-known in the Computer gaming industry.
This is an excellent creative workstation for those who want a lot of power thanks to its excellent build quality and a magnificent 17-inch screen. But, it is not simply a gaming laptop because it is designed for creative professionals. If you are a programmer working on demanding projects, this is a laptop that is definitely worth considering. Although it is incredibly pricey, you get some of the best mobile technology currently on the market for your money. For additional details, read our review of the Razer Blade 17.
MacBook Pro 16-Inch
Key Features
- Apple M1 Pro 10-Core
- Integrated 16-Core 32-Core GPU
- Up to 64 GB RAM
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display
Overview
The best programming laptop now available is Apple’s huge 16-inch MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) replaces the Intel-powered model from 2019 and offers a choice of Apple’s potent M1 Pro or M1 Max CPUs, which easily compile and run even the most sophisticated code.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch is not only speedy at compiling code; it is also powerful enough to run your code in test environments, including on simulated hardware, so you can examine how your game or application performs on a range of devices. If you’re a developer specializing in Mac or iOS apps, this is a great option because of how well xCode operates on the MacBook Pro 16-inch.
The stunning 16-inch screen makes it easy to read pages of code, and the ProMotion adaptive refresh rate makes scrolling through the code snappy and fluid. The enhanced keyboard further enhances this laptop’s coding capabilities, which are already greatly enhanced by its excellent battery life, which enables you to continue coding all day long without having to plug it in.
LG Gram 17
Key Features
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 Series
- Up to 64GB RAM
- Long Battery Life
Overview
The LG Gram 17 (2021) is the best option if you’re looking for a large-screen laptop to code on. It boasts a stunning, spacious screen with high quality that offers you lots of workspace. But because it’s so light, this laptop shows you don’t have to give up portability and comfort for screen size. This makes it convenient to carry around, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
During our testing, we also discovered that it has one of the longest battery lives of any Windows 10 laptop, largely because of the brand-new Intel 11th-generation processors. So, you are free to work anywhere you please while being confident that the battery will easily last you a whole workday and beyond.
Apple MacBook Air M2
Key Features
- Apple M2 CPU
- Integrated 8-Core/10-Core GPU
- 8GB to 24GB RAM
- 13.6-Inch Screen
Overview
Excellent for programming, the new Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a tiny and light notebook. Compared to the previous model, it offers a number of upgrades, including as a new 1080p webcam and a bigger, brighter screen.
Also, it includes Apple’s brand-new M2 chip, a potent piece of silicon that makes coding on the MacBook Air a genuine pleasure. It has the power to quickly build code and allow you to simultaneously run tests and emulations.
The MacBook Air (M2, 2022)’s battery life is outstanding and, in our tests, lasted more than 16 hours. As a result, you can work on this all day long without worrying about being plugged in. The fact that it is somewhat more expensive than the previous model means that it is not as good a value for the money, so it’s not all good news. The 2020 model, which still has an M1 CPU, is a good laptop for programming and is still available for purchase. If the M2 model is too expensive for your budget, it’s absolutely worth looking into.
Asus ROG Flow Z13
Key Features
- Intel Core i9-2900H CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 13.4-inch Screen
- 1TB SSD Storage
Overview
This unique laptop has a form factor that is incredibly tiny and light while delivering amazing power. It has a potent 14-core, 12th generation Intel processor, which can easily handle all of your coding requirements. That may even be the most potent tablet Computer we’ve ever used.
For those who wish to create and test games, it also has an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. This laptop is really quick and perfect for folks who want a portable laptop to code on, thanks to its 16GB of DDR5 RAM.
Although it costs a lot, this laptop is radically different and could change the way you code. Although it features a thin keyboard, some users might not find it comfortable to code on it for extended periods of time. In that case, a larger keyboard may be required, which is simple to connect in.
HP Spectre x360
Key Features
- 11th Generation Intel Core i5-i7
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 13.3” FHD Screen
- 12-Hour Battery Life
Overview
The HP Spectre x360 (2021) 2-in-1 laptop received a significant upgrade from previous models. Thanks to the 11th-generation Intel Core processors, Intel Iris Xe graphics, the flawless 2-in-1 design, and the new gem-cut chassis, this model is at the top of our list of the best laptops for programmers.
Beautiful devices have long been part of the HP Spectre series. So it should mean something when we declare that the Spectre x360 raises the bar. With its gem-cut design and slender profile, this laptop is not just one of the most attractive ones on the market right now; it is also durable inside.
This laptop from HP has an incredibly long battery life, making it unquestionably among the best on the market. As a result, it’s now the #1 laptop for programming.
The HP Spectre X360 was recently made available by HP (2022). Nonetheless, we have decided to maintain the 2021 model in our guide and still at the top because of specific problems with the trackpad and an expensive OLED Screen that isn’t worth the upgrade for programmers.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G
Key Features
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5
- Intel Xe Graphics
- 8GB to 32GB RAM
- 13-inch Screen
Overview
For an even more powerful and portable experience, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 5G expands on the design modifications that the Surface Pro 8 brought.
The Surface Pro 9 5G is a 5G system that is prepared to keep you connected at home and on the go without the need for a Wi-Fi connection, making it the perfect option for traveling programmers. It also has one of the greatest webcams we’ve ever used on a laptop with the brand-new Windows 11 operating system pre-installed.
The Surface Pro 9 5G takes Microsoft’s Surface line in the right direction with its larger screen, compact and slender pencil, and day-beating battery life, but the custom ARM chip carries with it a lot of issues.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Laptop
Key Features
- Up to 8th Generation Intel Core i7
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti Graphics
- Up to 64GB RAM
- 15.6” FHD Screen
Overview
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation from Lenovo is the best laptop for programming if you have the money for an unstoppable workhorse.
We consider this laptop to be among the best Lenovo laptops for a variety of reasons. Depending on your requirements and financial situation, it comes in a variety of variants. Even yet, it’s already quite powerful at its most basic level, with a strong graphics card housed in durable carbon-fiber and aluminum housing that can withstand any workplace or field.
The sole drawback? The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme has a price tag to match its strength because you get what you pay for.
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 4/Gen 5) is available in various updated configurations with up to 11th or 12th Gen Intel Core processors and other performance improvements. After testing the new models, we’ll post an updated review.
Final Words
To summarize, selecting the best laptop for programming can be a difficult task, but with the right research and reviews, it can become a simple one. Our blog has covered a variety of market options and provided detailed reviews on each of them. Based on our research and analysis, we strongly suggest purchasing one of the laptops reviewed in this blog. These laptops are specifically designed to meet the needs of programmers while also providing the best performance and user experience possible. So, if you’re looking for the best programming laptops, make sure to read through our reviews and select the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I look for in a laptop for programming?
A laptop for programming should have a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, a good graphics card, a comfortable keyboard, and a high-resolution display.
What is the minimum RAM required for a programming laptop?
The minimum RAM required for a programming laptop is 8GB. However, for more demanding programming tasks, 16GB or higher is recommended.
Do I need a dedicated graphics card for programming?
A dedicated graphics card is not necessary for programming, but it can improve the performance of certain programming applications.
Should I choose a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD)?
An SSD is recommended for a programming laptop as it provides faster boot times, improved performance, and better durability than an HDD.
What is the ideal screen size for a programming laptop?
The ideal screen size for a programming laptop depends on personal preference. However, a 14-inch or 15-inch display is recommended for most programming tasks.
Can I use a gaming laptop for programming?
Yes, gaming laptops can be used for programming as they often have high-end specifications that are also suitable for programming tasks.